Mine is a Sunburst model which I've owned for a while and even though it's a (Gasp!) Mexican Strat, I would gladly put it up against any US made Strat any day of the week. Fender has improved upon these vastly underrated guitars with the jumbo frets, thicker trem block and the shielded body compartments.

I have used this at many gigs without any problems whatsoever and have gotten many a compliment on it. This is the best guitar going today and as soon as I get my income tax return I intend to get another one to add to the herd.

I'm a Strataholic and proud of it!

To hell with the price hike. if the guitar is good, then the increase is well worth it.